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Eastern India |
| Main Information : |
| Tour Durations |
14 Days |
| People Needed |
02 - 15 |
| Destination |
India |
| Specialty |
Art History |
| Season |
January - December |
| Tour Customization |
Possible |
Calcutta, the capital city is regarded as one of the most intriguing cities of the world. Music and theatre. Historic buildings and interesting side streets. And great people. A city with a soul. North of Calcutta lies the Eastern Himalayas and the sub-Himalayan Dooars. Snow-clad mountains, rolling hills, lush tea gardens and dense forests. All ideal locations for trekking, wildlife adventure or just to relax. The Ganga, India’s most revered river, flows through the plains. From Murshidabad, through Calcutta to the Bay of Bengal, the Gangetic plains abide rich in Hindu/Buddhist/ Mughal/British history. To the south is Sunderbans Wildlife Sanctuary. A designated World Heritage site. It has one of the largest tiger populations, including the Royal Bengal Tiger amongst the Indian parks. Explore temples, heritage sites go trekking, wildlife viewing or take a pleasure trip sailing down the river.
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
You are greeted on arrival at the Delhi International Airport and driven to Qutab Hotel. Afternoon half day city tour of New Delhi. Visit India Gate, Laxminarayan Temple, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple and drive past President and the Parliament house. Return to hotel for Overnight
Day 02
: Delhi - Bagdogra – KalimpongAfter breakfast, transfer to domestic airport to connect flight to Bagdogra. On arrival transfer to Kalimpong nestled in the Himalayan Valley of West Bengal at a modest altitude of 4100 ft and enjoys moderate climate. Forming a triangle with its more illustrious neighbors, Darjeeling and Gangtok, Kalimpong is an excellent spot for a quiet holiday. Kalimpong has a number of houses, which speak of the town's heritage and gracious living in the earlier decades of the century. Evening at leisure. Lunch, Dinner & Overnight in the Silver Oaks hotel. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 03:
At KalimpongA leisurely breakfast at the hotel and the day is at leisure to explore this small little town on your own feet. The main attractions of Kalimpong, apart from the cool climate and scenic beauty are the Buddhist monasteries and view points. The places of interest include Tharpa Choling Monastery, Thongsa Gompa and Durpin Dara. Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at the hotel. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 04: Kalimpong – Darjeeling
Early morning Go Cycling or walking in the woods. Enjoy the luxury of a late breakfast today and then drive to Darjeeling perched at a height of 7004 ft. It is also called the Queen of the Hillstaions. On arrival check into Windamere hotel. Evening at leisure. Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at the hotel. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 05: At Darjeeling
Wake up very early in the morning, have a cup of hot tea / coffee and a drive of around 20 min will bring you to Tiger Hills Just sit around and wait for the unforgettable experience of catching the first rays of the Sun over Mt. Kanchenjunga. On your way back to hotel visit Ghoom Monastery. After breakfast proceed for city tour. Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padwaja Naidu Zoological Garden, Labong Rose Course, Ropeway, Happy valley tea estate & Tenzing Rock Lal Kuthi. Afternoon after lunch free. Dinner & overnight in hotel. Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 06: Darjeeling - Mirik – Darjeeling
After an early breakfast proceed for a full day excursion to Mirik, a beautiful picnic spot nestled in the forested hills at 5800 feet, Mirik is famous for its man-made Sumendu lake. The surroundings here are enhanced by Orange Orchards, Cardamom Plantations and Tea Estates. Another attraction here is the superb view of the mighty Kanchenjunga. Walk up to visit Bokar Gompa home to 70 Mahayana monks. A further short walk to the west, leads you the hindu temples of Shiva, Hanuman & Kali. You also have the option of hiring boats to scout around the lake. Late afternoon return to hotel in time for dinner & Overnight (Carry packed lunch) Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 07: Darjeeling - Kurseong – Kolkatta
After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to New Jalpaiguri Railway station to take overnight express to Kolkatta. Enroute visit Kurseong - in Napalese means "the morning star" - located at a height of 4860 ft, it is 30 km from Darjeeling and is called the "land of white orchid" A tiny school town not discovered by most tourists yet. Visit the bustling marketplace, its nerve center, with the toy train tracks running right through it. Tiny Nepali homes with lace edged windows and blooming azalea on their verandahs line the streets. Walk up to Nagri Spur to witness stunning views of tea gardens & forests. Visit Eagle's Crag for fabulous view of the Teesta River, before continuing your journey to Jalpaiguri. On arrival at the station board express for Kolkatta. Overnight in train (Lunch & Dinner at local restaurants in Kurseong & Siliguri (Jalpaiguri) respectively (Direct payment). Included: (B), (L), (D).
Day 08: Arrive Kolkatta
Early morning arrive Kolkatta. On arrival transfer to Golden Park hotel. After breakfast depart for half day city tour visiting Victoria Memorial a splendid example of British architecture, built in memory of Queen Victoria and inaugurated by Prince of Wales in 1921. The Memorial is based on the architecture of the Taj and is built in marble, Sahid Minar - A combination of Turkish, Egyptian & Syrian architectural elements, this 48-m high monument was built in 1828, Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge) - is one of three bridges on the river Hooghly and is the most famous symbol not only of Calcutta but also of West Bengal, Belur Math - The Ramkrishna Mission established by Swami Vivekanand has its head Quarters here. Ravindra Gallery has some of the rare and fine pictures and manuscripts of Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore. The paintings are done in a style peculiar to the poet. This place is also the venue for various cultural programs and Kali Temple - The present temple was built in 1809 on the site of an ancient temple. It is also known as the Kalighat temple. It is after the name of this temple that the English christened the place, Calcutta, an anglicized form of Kalikata. We finish our morning tour with a visit to Nirmal Ridaya - Mother Teresa's orphanage, before returning to hotel for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in hotel. Included: (B).
Day 09: At Kolkatta
After breakfast half day city tour visiting The Indian Museum established in 1878. It is built in Italian architecturalstyle and is considered to be the largest museum in the country and one of the best in Asia. From the Egyptian mummy to the skeleton of the whale and rare statues; the museum has every thing, Eden Gardens located in the North-West corner of the Maidan is a small & pleasantly laid out Garden. Created in 1840 and named after the sister of Lord Auckland, the former governor general. The idea was to make a Biblical - style garden of Eden in India. The expanse dotted with beautiful trees and shrubs is intersected by winding paths, and there is a large artificial lake. Alongside the gardens, is the world famous Eden Gardens cricket stadium. Our next stop is St Paul's Cathedral Built between 1839 and 1847, it is one of India's most important churches. Inside there's some interesting memorials and stained glass, including the west window by Sir Edward Burne-Jones. Return to hotel for lunch visit the Botanical Gardens stretching 1 km along the river and occupies 109 hectares. The gardens were originally founded in 1786 and administered by Colonel Kyd. It was from these gardens that the tea now grown in Assam and Darjeeling was first developed. Trees of the rarest kinds, from Nepal, Brazil, Penang, Java and Sumatra can be found here. There are towering Mahogany trees, an avenue of Cuban Palms and an Orchid House. Mango and Tamarind trees shade the grassy lawns. But the main attraction of the garden is the 200 year old Banyan Tree, claimed to have the second largest canopy in the world, having a circumference of 330m. The Palm House in the centre of gardens is also well worth a visit. Overnight in hotel. Included: (B).
Day 10: Kolkatta - Durgapore - Vishnupore – Durgapore
After early breakfast depart by surface for Durgapore, an industrial town located in the Bardwan district of West Bengal. On arrival check into Peerless Inn hotel. After fresh & change, proceed for day excursion to Vishnupur - Terra- cotta, Metalware & Temples characterize this tiny hamlet. The temples here are built mostly of brick & at times of late rite. The architectureis modeled on the pattern of Bengali village huts built with bamboo & mud and roofed with that. A discerning visitor may find traces of the past splendor and glory in its superb temples and unique handicrafts. Visit Ras Mancha, Dalmadal cannon, Jorbangla, Madan Mohan, Malleshwar, Lalji & Mrinmoyee Temples. Also see Maa king's fort & Jogesh Chandra Museum before returning to hotel at Durgapore for overnight. Included: (B).
Day 11: Durgapore - Shantineketan – Durgapore
After Breakfast depart by surface for day excursion to Shantiniketan - an International University founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore where the cultures of the East & West could meet & mingle. Named Vishwa Bharati the university represents Indian traditions while incorporating the best of other cultures. Founded by Devendranath Tagore in 1863, as an hermitage (Ashram) Rabindranath, his son converted it into an experimental open air school with 5 students in 1901. Places of interests are mainly on the campus and have a distinctive feature of some of the best in Indian art & culture. Another interesting feature are the splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals & paintings of renowned artists like Tagore himself, Nandlal Bose, Ramkinkar & others that adorn the campus. Return to Durgapore hotel for overnight. Included: (B).
Day 12: Durgapore - Kolkatta – Delhi
After a relaxed Breakfast time to start your journey back home. Transfer to Kolkatta and on arrival stop for lunch at an authentic Chinese restaurant in China town, before proceeding to the airport from where you take your flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to Qutab hotel. Overnight. Included: (B).
Day 13: At Delhi
Morning after breakfast, proceed for city sightseeing tour of Old Delhi. Visit the Red Fort, Jama Masjid & Rajghat. Walk through the narrow, yet interesting old bazaars. Afternoon free for shopping (Vehicle at disposal) Overnight in Hotel. Included: (B).
Day 14: Depart Delhi
It’s time to bid farewell. Transfer to Airport to connect flight for onward journey.
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